"Today We Prove We Belong": Ranjit Bajaj's Minerva, Scouted by European Giants
Driven by resilience and belief, Minerva Academy FC has emerged as a symbol of grit in Indian football, overcoming financial struggles, infrastructural neglect, and systemic gaps to gain global attention
A famous quote in the sporting industry goes like this: “It is hard to beat a person who does not give up." Very few passionate athletes become flagship examples for this quote, where their immense hard work, resilience, and dedication have made them achieve the impossible.
Such is the case of Minerva FC, an Indian football club that kept fighting against all odds until they emerged victorious. This is a classic case of bureaucratic neglect coupled with lack of infrastructure and funds, where the team had to crowdfund their way to the top.It is with immense pride that I write that our very own Minerva FC team is being scouted by top European firms like FC Barcelona, Chelsea, Juventus, and PSG for notable international events.Their recent win against Liverpool with a straight 6-0 win gave their talents the recognition that attracted the attention of global leaders.
🚨 | BREAKING: India's footballers from @minervapunjabfc are being scouted by TOP EUROPEAN Clubs.
— Best of Indian Football (@IndianFootyBest) April 12, 2026
The process is in early stages. Imagine our desi ballers playing for FC Barcelona, Chelsea, Juventus, and PSG in the world's biggest competitions!
BIG NEWS #IndianFootball 🇮🇳 🔥 pic.twitter.com/4pEvCKzChg
Ranjit Bajaj, the sole guardian of the most successful football team of India, has left no stone unturned for his team's development.“Today is the day we prove we belong," was his statement in the locker rooms before their pivotal match with Liverpool.
Gaps in Indian football infrastructural ecosystem
The struggle behind this team's ascent to success portrays many shortcomings of Indian football infrastructure. 80 percent of our limited sports ecosystem is based in urban metropolitan areas. Indians suffer from a major confirmation bias whereby they happily spend thousands to catch a glimpse of the GOAT, Lionel Messi, while our local football games struggle to sell 100 tickets.
“We are expected to compete at the highest level, but then where are the facilities? There is no dearth of talent in our country, but we need to nurture them well. But sadly enough we lack the proper system required for their nurturing,” said Sunil Chhetri, highlighting the gaps.India needs to work dedicatedly towards its football infrastructure. Being ranked 145th in the FIFA rankings further highlights our need to push for quality training of budding athletes at the grassroots level.
Written by